LAWRENCEVILLE - The Gwinnett Health System Board of Directors has added a new member to the board.

Although Tommy Hughes was inducted as the newest member of the Board of Directors back in September, he said he is looking forward to learning about the workings of the hospital.

He said he was part of the study group that requested the $25 million approved last week for expansion of the Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville.

"I chose to support the hospital because it's something I feel strongly about," he said. "But I've got a lot to learn."

Hughes has spent much of his time improving the community of Gwinnett County, serving as the Gwinnett County Commissioner for District 1 from 1993 to 2001 and a committee member for the Board of Regents.

Hughes also holds past titles such as chairman of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau and director of Buford Basketball Association.

He also serves on the Board of First Bank of the South, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Gwinnett College.